By Peter Otuoro
2,039 secondary school students across the country are participating in the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national championships held at Nakuru High School.
Hassan Duale, the Director Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities, said that there are 1,016 boys and 1,023 girls participating.
He revealed that they are expecting 96 teams from the eight regions: Rift Valley, Nairobi, North Eastern, Coast, Central, Western, Nairobi and Eastern regions and 232 referees and 90 coaches.
He urged students to use the opportunity to showcase their talents and added that sports is a profession.
Duale congratulated all teams and representatives of the eight regions for performing well in the previous levels and revealed that another national sports competition for students with special needs is ongoing in Uasin Gishu County.
“Students learning in special schools have a lot of talents which should be nurtured, “ he added.
He urged the participants to maintain professionalism and discipline in their games.
“All teams should work hard to ensure they win so that they get a chance to represent Kenya in the East Africa Competitions which will be held in Arusha, Tanzania,” said Duale.
He added that some of the games the students will participate in are hockey, rugby, basketball, swimming, soccer, volleyball, table tennis and handball among others.
Duale said Kenya is a powerhouse in sports and has won many medals at various games in East Africa competitions and even at the international levels.
“Kenya have won 11 gold medals, seven silver medals and other medals in the East Africa competition held a few years before covid-19 disrupted sports programs. Many sportsmen and women shining in Kenya and the world were identified in secondary school. Students should use this opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Duale.
He retaliated that the Ministry of Education has disbursed funds for sporting activities to all schools countrywide.
“I would like to thank all the sub county Directors of Education, county directors of education and regional directors of education for their efforts in ensuring students participate in sports,” he said.
He also thanked the officials of KSSSA led by national chairperson Kipchuimba Maiyo and the officials of Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) for their well-coordinated programme that has enabled the event to be done well.
“I take this opportunity to thank KSSSA and KESSHA officials for coordinating our students and teachers and other stakeholders to ensure we successfully give our students a chance to showcase their talents,” said Duale.
Duale also thanked KUPPET and KNUT officials for their support toward sports activities in various schools.
Rift Valley Regional Director of Education Jared Obiero thanked all stakeholders for their support in ensuring all the programmes run smoothly.
He also thanked teachers and students for their active participation in sports which contribute to positive impact to the students.
KSSSA National Chairperson Kipchumba Maiyo, who is also the Chief Principal of Kapsabet Boys, said the students should be given an opportunity to nurture their talents as elaborated in the Constitution and Basic Education Act.
The event was also attended by TSC officials, Nakuru County Director of Education Fredrick Osewe and Nakuru High Principal Joseph Mwangi among other dignitaries.
